A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends,
The 2022 budget process is coming to a close next week. The Council has held a series of budget meetings with City department heads (you can watch the meetings here) and will vote on my proposed budget on Tuesday.
This budget proposes adding 23 additional full-time positions across City Departments - 3 new Police officers, 5 DPW staff, 4 new Parks & Recreation employees, and project managers to see through some of our huge investments like the major renovation at Dietz Stadium. I have also proposed a Chief of Staff position to administer the American Rescue Plan Act funds, to ensure that the City's $17million will be capably managed in the best possible way for our community.
I believe that by investing in our staff, who worked bravely through the pandemic, and by paying these workers a living wage with salaries that attract qualified candidates, and by expanding services for our residents, the community will see exponential benefits - from park maintenance, to snow removal to public safety. See all the highlights of the proposed budget here.
Even with these vital investments and expanded services, the tax rate will decrease. The tax levy will remain at $17,650,940 for the seventh year in row. Both homestead and non-homestead rates will decrease. I hope you'll take a look at the budget and give us your feedback! You can email Council members at commoncouncilcomments@kingston-ny.gov with your comments.
As always, I want to thank the department heads and the City of Kingston Comptroller for all their hard work on making this budget a reality. We're all looking forward to a productive and fruitful 2022.
-Steve
